The latest research confirms a strong connection between inadequate food intake and cognitive decline.
“Unlike food insecurity, which is a condition of hardship where families cannot get the right kinds of food on the table because of limited [money] or other financial resources, food insufficiency is just a statement about not having enough food to eat,” informs Dr. Daniel P. Miller, Boston University.
Those who don’t eat enough may have cognitive impairment due to poor nutrition or stress brought on by significant financial difficulty that prevents them from purchasing the food they require.
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The study focused on thousands of people. The aspects considered include cognitive health, food insecurity, and participation in the US federal government’s supplemental nutrition assistance program. (SNAP)
Food insufficiency in older people can be even more severe. It can lead to significant depression and even physical limitations.
Government initiatives have been quite successful in eliminating the food crisis. However, a significant percentage of them are young. Therefore, older people could only avail of its benefits partially.
Older people experiencing food insufficiency are more likely to have physical limitations and are at risk of malnutrition and depression.